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Phrasal verbs "look after" vs "look out for"

Differences between look after and look out for

Look after means to take care of someone or something, while look out for means to be vigilant and watchful for potential danger or problems.

Meanings and Definitions: look after vs look out for

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

Look after

  • 1Take care.

    Their auntie LOOKED AFTER them while their mother was in hospital.

Look out for

  • 1Take care of someone, make sure someone is cared for.

    She LOOKED OUT FOR her sister when she started school.

  • 2Keep alert and try to see.

    We we told to LOOK OUT FOR any suspicious behaviour.

Usage Examples: look after, look out for in Sentences

Learn how to use these expressions through these examples

look after

Example

Please look after my dog while I'm on vacation.

Example

She looks after her younger siblings every day.

look out for

Example

Please look out for any suspicious behavior in the neighborhood.

Example

She always looks out for her younger brother at school.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look after

take care of

To provide assistance or support to someone or something.

Example

She promised to take care of her neighbor's cat while they were on vacation.

watch over

To keep an eye on someone or something to ensure their safety or well-being.

Example

The lifeguard was tasked with watching over the swimmers in the pool.

attend to

To give attention or care to someone or something.

Example

The nurse was busy attending to the needs of the patients in the hospital.

Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Look out for

be on the lookout

To be vigilant and watchful for potential danger or problems.

Example

The hikers were told to be on the lookout for bears in the area.

keep an eye out

To be watchful and alert for something specific.

Example

He asked his friend to keep an eye out for any job openings in his field.

be wary of

To be cautious and suspicious of something or someone.

Example

She was advised to be wary of strangers offering her a ride home.

Explore more Phrasal Verbs

Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles

Phrasal Verbs with “look”

Phrasal Verbs with “after”

Differences in look after vs look out for: Usage, Formality, and Tone

Frequency in Daily Use: look after or look out for?

Both look after and look out for are commonly used in daily conversation, but look after is more common as it is used in a wider range of situations.

Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of look after and look out for

Look after and look out for are both informal phrases that are suitable for everyday interactions with friends and family. However, look out for can also be used in more formal settings like business or academic contexts.

Tone and Implication: The Nuances of look after and look out for

The tone of look after is generally caring and responsible, while the tone of look out for is more cautious and alert.

look after & look out for: Synonyms and Antonyms

Look after

Synonyms

Look out for

Synonyms

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